Council Adopts 2026 Budget

Property tax increase set at 2.44% 
 

Cambridge, Ontario. (December 2, 2025) The City of Cambridge 2026 Budget has now been adopted under Ontario’s Budget legislation, including amendments as voted on by Council. The approved Budget maintains a property tax increase of 2.44%, which includes a 1% infrastructure renewal levy and the initial phased-in expenditures of the new recreation complex of 2.04%. This preserves the Mayor’s original direction to staff to target a 2% or less net increase to the base budget aligned with the expected rate of inflation, while maintaining service levels to the community. For 2026, the water utility budget rate increase affecting water utility bills totals 4.21%. 

The 2026 Budget reflects a careful balance between community priorities and fiscal responsibility as many face challenging economic times. The Budget maintains core services while investing in strategic initiatives that support growth and sustainability. Key areas of focus include renewing critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges, opening the new multi-purpose recreation complex, preserving cultural and heritage assets, fire services, and maintaining city infrastructure through an infrastructure renewal levy. 

The Mayor requested priorities from each member of Council prior to the Budget being finalized and presented to Council. Residents also had an opportunity to help shape the Budget through discussions at numerous community events and the annual budget survey. Through the budget process, City Council has also had the opportunity to discuss and raise amendments for consideration. 

“My ‘Pop Up Mayor’ booth was present at 13 events where I had the opportunity to connect face-to-face with thousands of people and hear their voices directly. There was also an opportunity to share feedback through an ongoing online survey, W.I.T.Y our budget bot, and the City’s website hosted 292 Engage surveys where residents could share their opinions on new or evolving projects and priorities at a neighbourhood level,” said Mayor Jan Liggett.

Earlier this year, the Mayor initiated a “Behind the Wall” video series, visiting local employers to hear concerns regarding tariffs, learning of job opportunities and to acquire knowledge of each business’s general economic health.

She continues, “This Budget is a reflection of what we’ve heard from our community. It strikes a balance between essential services and infrastructure while recognizing the financial challenges many residents are facing. Through ongoing conversations with residents, staff, and Council, we’ve worked hard to keep costs down without compromising on what matters most and investing in Cambridge’s future." 

“With the City’s budget in place, we can move forward on projects that matter most to Cambridge residents,” said Rob Axiak, City Manager.  “City staff will work efficiently and responsibly to carry out Mayor and Council’s direction and ensure our community sees the benefits of these investments across all areas of the city for many years to come.” 

The provincial budget framework provides timelines and opportunities for Council and public input. The 2026 Budget process received a number of Council amendments for consideration during the shortened amendment period. Under the provincial legislation, Mayor Jan Liggett has decided not to veto any of the amendment decisions as voted on by Council. 

“I am choosing not to veto Council’s amendments to this Budget and I am choosing to have the amendments stand as they were made and voted on throughout this process. As we move forward with the implementation of this Budget, my commitment and our collective commitment remain the same - to work collaboratively, to be fiscally responsible, and to focus on delivering the services and quality of life our community expects. Therefore, I can declare that as a result of no vetoes being made, that the 2026 Budget has been adopted and is deemed approved today.” said Mayor Jan Liggett.

For the original proposed City of Cambridge 2026 Mayor's Budget presented on October 27, visit www.cambridge.ca/MayorsBudget.